End of Phase 2, Turn 1.
Warrens End
The capital world of the sector continues to go into its death-throws as the weapon of Nolan does its work. Forests die an unnatural death as every living life form suffers critical radiation poisoning yet cannot decompose.
Thankfully the military forces there are taking measures, though only the insidious Black Scorpions and the Imperial Guard are offering any aid to the civilian populace. Increased terrorist activity is hampering efforts, and some are questioning where the Astartes are taking those they "rescue." Regardless the drive to evacuate has allowed, whether innocently or not, the pretence to expand further into Warrens southern forests.
The Adeptus Mechanicus forces that appeared alongside the Imperial Guard in Warrens North Western reaches came as a shock to all, catching Ozzy's Dark Eldar by surprise and forcing them back to their hold out on the other side of the planet. What the Mechanicum's intentions are, remains to be seen, but their appearance has shown to be fortuitous.
At the beginning of the Turn, a push from the Black Scoprions into the eastern mountains initially was met by success, taking territory from the Craftworld Eldar.
All the while the Dark Eldar of Ozzy took the opportunity to prey on the retreating Eldar and took land of their own. However, upon reaching the mountains, the Astartes were hit hard by the lurking Tyranid threat even as evacuations were underway. Theories have been proposed that it was the Craftworld that was keeping the Tyranids in check, other theories suggest they planned the event like a trap. Either way, the Tyranids on Warrens End have come down from the Mountains, and show no sign of stopping.
Rust
The world that is forever dying saw an epic return by the Iybraesil Eldar, returning after a series of brutal loses. Dark Eldar forces were surprised by the sudden return and lost a sector to the advance giving their vengeful Craftworld brethren a foothold on the world. Will this advance continue? Or will Ozzy's Dark Eldar be able to push them back from the old Eldar world?
The loss of territory on so many worlds for a gain on one leads many to believe the leadership of the Iybraesil Eldar is running either a campaign of revenge against the Druchii of Ozzy, or they have a secret agenda regarding that world...
Sordid
Magnus'tank battalions took advantage of the Iybraesil's lack of focus on the corrupt world of Sordid and took territory despite heavy loses to their anti material weaponry.
Tresium
The lawless planet was further controlled by the forces of the 501st as its Imperial elements were bolstered by the arrival of returning Adeptus Mechanicum forces sent to secure Nolan. Rumours have begun that the Mechanicum having linked up with the 501st may seek to retake the Forgeworld from the Black Scorpions before the majority of its hardware is removed.
Nolan
Having pushed the 501st Imperial Guard back towards the poles, the Black Scorpions have dug in, quarantining the area to the west and holding gains made while engineers acquire as much machinery as they can. The move has born yet more criticism from the Imperial elite, and while complaints may take centuries to be reacted on due to bureaucracy and long distance communications, it is already clear: The Astartes do not care.
Nest
At the beginning of the Turn, Nest saw the Craftworld Eldar losing territory to both the unstoppable advance of the Black Scorpions and the treacherous back stabbing assault from their Dark kin. Pushed off Nest completely, it forced the Eldar to rethink their deployment and heavier weaponry was brought in.
Meanwhile, the Dark Eldars base has so far been ignored by the Astartes despite being close enough, while the Dark kin are happy enough to raid the wastes nearby, terrorising locals and harvesting body parts for some unknown horrors.
Space Hulk
The Gospel of Fear saw the total attention of the Black Scorpions Chapter this Turn, slaughtering and pushing the Imperial Guard of Thomas from its many winding corridors. Even a sudden appearance of automated Necron defences didn't deter them and that area is now quarantined. Regardless, the clean up will take some time and the Imperial Guard stood hard, lead to the last by their preachers.
Weapon failures and ammunition quality were a major factor in the losses causing many to wonder if the Black Scorpions used some immoral infiltration methods, purgings have been made through the command structure after the loss in attempt to rule this out. However, another possibility is the involvement of the Munitorium's supply which goes via the Mechanicum stationed outside the Sector at Altra Teir. Rumours among the ranks have lead to some quiet distrust towards the regiments Enginseers. Crack downs have already begun.
To the end of the Turn, the Imperial Guard have been met with allies from an unexpected quarter: Black Scorpions, claiming to be Loyalists to the Imperium and condemning their brethren as heretics.
The sudden attention of the Black Scorpions against the Hulk begs the question to all agents of opposition: What do the Astartes want with it? Do they know something the rest do not?
Acre
Despite her many natural barriers alongside the reinforced fence-works, The Tyranid's already on the world linked up with the invading Hive Mind, causing a sudden expansion against the Craftword Eldar, seizing the planets core power creating complex. With the Tyranids showing intense levels of intelligence, it wasn't a total surprise when the layers of ray fences across the continent began switching off, allowing for the Tyranids to run unchecked across Acre's jungles and forests.
This leaves both the Dark Eldar, Eldar and even the Astartes holding out in their last on world pockets of resistance. Acre as a whole seems to be losing to the Tyranid infestation and though no Hive fleet has been seen yet, a shadow on the warp is emerging, her wildlife is altering and becoming hostile. The planets very climate is changing, heating up and preparing itself for consumption on a global scale. If not for the current conflict, efforts could be made to end this, but as it stands, Acre is on the brink.
So what's the score so far?
Well, bearing in mind this is only the 1st Turn of Phase 2, and that the big scores come in at the end of the phase, it is as expected. Objective traits don't count for Turns and despite the extension of the Turn length, not so many games have been played.
The Bringers of Silence, though down a man since Chris' (Ozzy's) defection, the Bringers of Silence have maintained their hold on terrain, even gaining some. In second place, but only just, are the Bearers of Change, stealing the position although both Eivind and Chris have placed most of their points on Personal gains. Last but with a varying degree of luck, the Sentinels of Fire have continued their run of luck, but with some late victories, perhaps the tide is changing?
But what of the narrative missions? What of the quest for the final planet and its riches and glory? Although many clues of secret locations have been given out, due to time constraints and a general lack of interest, they have gone ignored, usually in favour of personal agendas. William's Eldar have finally gotten their foothold back on Rust, Rottimus' Black Scorpions have been claiming everything from Mechanicum machinery and the Space Hulk for their survivalist empire and even Thomas' Imperial Guard have taken in supposed crusaders and malcontent from the Astartes, including a as of yet unknown Battle Chaplain.
All this boils down to players creating an maintaining their own narrative in game. Which with all the fighting, duels, grudges and epic battles gives each faction a history and each forces more exceptional characters a story.
However....
The Necron sponser is getting impatient...
